Loving Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother, Jeanne Lee “Chic” Cunningham died peacefully of natural causes on 6 March, 2023 at her home in Lawrence, Kansas.
Jeanne was born on 10 September, 1948 in Ellsworth, Kansas. She was the first of Maynard and Norma Jean Cunningham’s four children. Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Mark.
Jeanne grew up in Wilson, Kansas and graduated from Wilson High School in 1966. Until her death, Jeanne was her high school alumni association coordinator.
She married Donald Barta on 11 March, 1967 in Ellsworth, Kansas. They divorced in 1974.
Jeanne attended The University of Kansas. She “walked down the Hill” in 1978, and completed her Bachelor’s degree in Education in 1989.
Jeanne was employed at The University of Kansas Computing Services for 35 years and retired in 2011.
On 20 August, 1977, Jeanne married William “Bill” Lee in Lawrence, Kansas. They divorced in 1989. Bill died in 2015.
Jeanne was a genealogical detective, tracing her family back generations, and always happy to do the same for others. She was a passionate KU sports fan, always cheering on her Jayhawks.
Jeanne is survived by her children: Jon Barta (Tammy), Myk Barta (Kelly), Lea (Barta) Morris, Beth Lee (Mike Tennyson Jr.) , Dayna Lee (ex Ben Gibler) , Kent Lee, Amanda (Lee)Terrazas (Jaime), Teresa Lee, Mark Lee and Heather Lee, all of Lawrence, Kansas; grandchildren: Timothy Barta, Tia Barta, Anthony Barta (Hayley), Tyler Barta (Janelle), Amanda Morris, Jeanne Lea Morris, Dusty Morris, Grace (Goodwin) Hallinan, Darcy Johnson, Michael Tennyson III, William Tennyson, Kansas Gibler (bf Jack Hoy), Abby Gibler, Lucy Gibler, Keegan Lee, Kaylan Lee, Kayden Lee, Keyrra Roberts, Christian Miller, Jaime Terrazas, Jr., Malyssa Terrazas, Angelina Terrazas, Kymberly Bernard, Alexandria Bernard, Isabell Bernard, great-grandchildren: Huckleberry, Jack, Delilah, Holden and Lowen Barta, Jaimeson Flummerfelt, Justin and Jackson Hallinan; and Jeanne’s brothers: Brent Cunningham and Kent (Janelle) Cunningham, of Ellsworth, Kansas.
Jeanne was cremated and will be buried at the family grave in the Wilson, Kansas cemetery on 10 September 2023. A memorial gathering will be held at Venue 1235, 1235 N 3rd, Lawrence, Kansas, from 3PM to 7PM on April 8th. All are welcome. Dress will be casual. Potluck dishes are welcome but not expected.
Jeanne requested that memorial donations be sent to the DNC or your favorite Democratic candidate.
To Beth and all your families, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Jeanne was always a joy to work with at KU. She was always able to get me an answer or get me directed with who I needed to work with. I will always appreciate the energy she put into her work and the respect she had when working with the campus.
Jeanne Lee Cunningham
Mom
But mostly known as Chic. I will love you forever. This can’t be real. I will still be coming to you for advice. I’m heartbroken….no, that can’t even describe it. You were the rock! You were the glue! You were the hardest working, strongest, most giving, family loving woman. I am proud that you were my Mom. Now you will be my angel. There’s a brighter star in the sky tonight.
I don’t know what else to say but, Rest easy until we see you again.
💔Lea
I knew Jeanne while working at KU Computing Services. She was always friendly and helpful, and did her work very well. Recognizing this I hired her to help document and support our rapidly growing campus data network, and we were associated in these endeavors for many years. I was always very pleased with her work, and enjoyed working with her.
It is sad when we lose someone like Jeanne, and we never really get over it. I hope a little part of her lives on in me when I smile at the memories I have of her.
I am so sorry to all of you for your loss. I can just remember all those grandbabies swinging in kitchen. She love all those grandbabies your in our thoughts and prayers
I’m so sorry that whoever posted this did not include the whole family.
Myk I am so sorry for the loss of your mother.
We all called her Mom.
She would fed, house, dress any one who walked in her open door.
She was patient kind and loving to all of us kids. My heart is hurting. My eyes are sad. I love you guys, cling to each other just as she taught us all to do.
Angela
Jeanne was what every mother aspires to be. She was loved and respected by all of her children. Family was her priority.
I feel blessed to have known her.
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. She was so sweet. She had sewn a prom dress for me. I’ll never forget her and your family. ❤️